Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, has warned that the nefarious designs of hostile elements, who seek to incite violence, spread fear, and destabilize Balochistan province, will not be allowed to succeed.

He was interacting with participants of 15th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi today.

The Army Chief highlighted Government's persistent focus on improving the socioeconomic profile of Balochistan, and stated that the scale and scope of ongoing and planned initiatives should serve to dispel the blatant disinformation in this regard. He said many development projects have already started bearing fruit benefiting the people of Balochistan.

Appreciating the role of the civil society members in raising awareness among the people of Balochistan, especially the youth, the Army Chief emphasized their role in enabling the progress leading to prosperity.

General Syed Asim Munir underscored that foreign sponsored terrorism remains the gravest threat to Balochistan's security and development.

Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve, the Army Chief stated that terrorism knows no religion, sect, or ethnicity, and must be confronted with unwavering national unity.

He said terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda, are a blemish on Baloch honor and patriotism.

General Syed Asim Munir emphasized that Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond, however, if Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity is violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and wellbeing of its people.

He said Pakistan's Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies will continue to fight menace of terrorism with the complete support of the people of Pakistan.

Since 2016, the 15th National Workshop Balochistan brings together a large number of male and female parliamentarians, bureaucrats, members of civil society, youth, academia and media representatives, with maximum representation from Balochistan.

The Workshop encompassing interactions, seminars, group discussions and visits to different parts of the country.

It is aimed at enabling future leadership of Balochistan in understanding vital national / provincial issues and mounting cohesive response.

The Workshop concluded after an engaging and candid Question and Answer session.